Adapter unit for a personal digital assistant having automatically configurable application buttons

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant. The additional functionality includes the ability to automatically change the function of one or more of the application buttons on the personal digital assistant upon the attachment of the adapter unit.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefits of the filing date ofprovisional application 60/263,438 filed Jan. 23, 2001. This applicationis related to the application entitled Adapter Unit Having An ErgonomicGrip For A Personal Digital Assistant, Serial No.______ ,which is filedon the same day as the present application.

FIELD OF USE

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for apersonal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates toan adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improvedergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Personal digital assistants (“PDA”) or hand-held computers havelimited functions. These devices typically include internal memory forstoring application programs and a local database. PDAs also includeexternal connector used during synchronization procedure (“hot-sync”)with an external database located in a local or remote PC. The PDA istypically inserted into a “hot-sync” cradle, which is tethered to adesktop PC. The PC has a second database, which is similar to the localPDA database. During the “sync” operation both databases get updatedwith any information that was added to either one or the databases sincethe last synchronization procedure. While these devices can have variousapplication programs running on them, they still have limitedfunctionality. For example, a typical PDA may not have a detachablescanner or a detachable radio or a combination of both.

[0004] The iPAQ PDA manufactured by Compaq Computer Corporation has anexpansion connector for interconnecting with different compatiblemodules, such as a scanning module. The expansion slot does not replacethe “sync” connector, but is provided in addition to it. Thus, the iPAQhas to have two separate connectors to accommodate expandedfunctionality and “sync” operation. Once a scanning module is connectedto the iPAQ, the expansion connector is occupied and no other module canbe interconnected with the iPAQ. In addition, the combined device is notrugged enough to be used in industrial environment. Other theninterconnecting to the PDA via an electrical connector, the module isnot well secured to the PDA and upon drop or vibration the two elementsmay break or come apart, this rendering the system inoperative.

[0005] While the modules are able to provide additional functions to thepersonal digital assistant, such benefits come at a price. One of theadvantages to the personal digital assistants is their portability.These units are designed to fit in a user's hand or palm. In many moduledesigns, the depth and/or width of the combination personal digitalassistant and module is considerably larger than originally designed bythe personal digital assistant manufacturer. The combination of the twodevices becomes difficult for a typical user to grasp.

[0006] As additional functions are added to the PDA, there is a greaterneed to change the functionality of the application buttons on the PDA.Presently, in order to change the function of an application button auser must input data on a series of screens on the PDA indicating thefunction the user would like to assign to the button. This processrequires a certain amount of training on the use of the PDA, can be timeconsuming and is prone to human errors.

[0007] The PDA includes volatile memory such as RAM. Information storedin the volatile memory may be lost if the power level of the PDA'sbattery falls below a certain level.

[0008] Therefore, a need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapterhaving additional functionality for a hand-held computer such as a PDA.

[0009] A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter havingscanning functionality for a hand-held computer, such as a PDA.

[0010] A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter havingwireless communication functionality for a hand-held computer, such as aPDA.

[0011] A need exists to provide a detachable adapter having scanning andwireless communication functionality for a hand-held computer, such as aPDA.

[0012] A need exists to provide a rugged detachable adapter havingscanning functionality and a user accessible PCMCIA slot for a hand-heldcomputer, such as a PDA.

[0013] A need exists to provide an adapter having additional electronicfunctionality for a hand held computer such as a PDA.

[0014] A need exists to provide an adapter having additional electronicfunctionality for a hand held computer such as a PDA, wherein thecombination PDA and adapter connects to a communications cradle in orderto communicate with a PC.

[0015] A need exits to automatically change the functionality of one ofthe application buttons on the PDA in a manner that is seamless to theuser.

[0016] A need exists to provide an adapter having additional nonvolatilememory that can store PDA applications and data when power is criticallylow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention provides an adapter unit that can bedetachably secured to a hand-held computer, such as a portable digitalassistant (“PDA”) computer presently available on the market. Examplesof such computers are the iPAQ manufactured by Compaq ComputerCorporation, the Palm series manufactured by Palm, Inc. and the Visorseries manufactured by Handspring Inc. The invention includes an adapterthat adds functionality and ruggedness to a commercially designed devicefor use in a more industrial environment. The adapter has a PDAconnector for interconnecting to the PDA's expansion connector. Ascanner, battery and radio functions may be integrated in the adapter.Specifically, the adapter may include a card for wireless local areacommunication such as the Spectrum24® card manufactured by SymbolTechnologies Inc. and/or a card for wireless wide area networkcommunication. The adapter may include additional memory for storingdata. This memory may include nonvolatile memory such as flash memoryfor storing drivers that support the functions added by the adapter. Forexample, the memory may store drivers for a scanner or a wireless localarea network. In an alternative embodiment the adapter has a separatedexpansion connector for accommodating various functional modules. Incertain cases, the adapter may also have its own sync connector,allowing it to be directly inserted into the PDA cradle.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment the invention includes an adapter unitthat connects to PDA via the PDA's expansion connector. The adapter unitenhances mechanical ruggedness of the PDA and protects the PDA duringdrop and vibration. The adapter easily slides on the PDA and mayincorporate a retainer clip to lock the adapter and the PDA together.Electronics in the adapter add bar code scanning, imaging capability,additional power, wireless and other PC card support.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment the invention includes an adapterunit having a gripping surface that enhances the ergonomics of theadapter and helps prevent the adapter from slipping out of a user'shand.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the function ofone or more of the application buttons on the PDA automatically changesupon the attachment of a device to the PDA.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, when the PDA'sbattery is critically low, information stored in the PDA's volatilememory is automatically stored in a nonvolatile memory.

[0022] A strap can also be added on the back of the adapter forergonomic and comfort reasons.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment a handle is added to the design,such that a handle supports the adapter, and the PDA/adapter combinationis held as a gun-shaped terminal in the hand of a user. Batteries, bothrechargeable and disposable, chargers and control systems can be addedto the adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1a is a side view of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention;

[0025]FIG. 1b is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the adapterof the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 1c is a back view of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention;

[0027]FIG. 1d is a bottom view of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention;

[0028]FIG. 1e is a front view of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention;

[0029]FIG. 1f is another side view of an embodiment of the adapter ofthe present invention;

[0030]FIG. 1g is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of theadapter of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 2a is a side view of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention illustrating release of the PDA retaining mechanism;

[0032]FIG. 2b is a PDA of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 2c is an illustration of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention connected to a PDA;

[0034]FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic of an embodiment of the adapterof the present invention incorporating a scanner therein;

[0035]FIG. 4A is a drawing of a primary side view of a circuit board ofan embodiment of the adapter of the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 4B is a drawing of a secondary side view of a circuit boardof an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 5 illustrates an adapter and a hand strap according to theinvention;

[0038]FIG. 6 shows compartment for a rechargeable battery located insidethe adapter;

[0039]FIG. 7 shows an adapter with a handle grip;

[0040]FIGS. 8a and 8 b show a bottom perspective view of anotherembodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b;

[0042]FIG. 10 shows a top view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b;

[0043]FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b;

[0044]FIG. 12 shows a side view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b;

[0045]FIG. 13 is a view taken along line A-A of FIG. 12;

[0046]FIG. 14 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine fora preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein an adapter isattached to the PDA;

[0047]FIG. 15 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine foranother preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein an adapteris attached to the PDA;

[0048]FIG. 16 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine fora preferred embodiment wherein an adapter is removed from the PDA; and

[0049]FIG. 17 shows a flowchart representing a memory backup system fora preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050]FIG. 1a represents a side view of a preferred embodiment of theadapter 100 of the present invention. FIG. 1b shows the sled adapterfrom a top perspective view. FIG. 1g is a bottom perspective view of anembodiment of the adapter of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1aand 1 b, the sled-type adapter includes a cover 104 and a carrier 106.The carrier 106 includes a bottom wall 108 and two sidewalls 110extending from bottom wall 108. An interface circuit board and ascanner, a radio, RFID tag reader, global positioning system, telephone,and/or some other module, is housed between the cover 104 and the bottomwall 108 of the adapter. The adapter of FIG. 1a includes an integratedradio with a hidden antenna and an interface board that allowsconnection to the PDA. FIG. 1e is a front view of the adapter. FIG. 1eshows an adapter having an integrated scanner located behind thescanning window 120. Sidewalls 110 of carrier 106 are curved in such away that they surround the PDA on both sides and protect the PDA fromside-to-side movement and side impact. Sidewalls 110 prevent the adapterfrom being pulled off the PDA. FIG. 1c is a back view of the adapter ofthe present invention. It shows the edges of curved sidewalls 110 andthe adapter connector 124 extending from the circuit board. A wallportion 106 of the adapter overlaps sidewalls 110, thus creating a seamoverlap between the different portions of the adapter. The overlap helpsthe user to more easily hold the adapter/PDA combination device. FIG. 1dis a view of the adapter from the bottom, exposing the bottom wall 108of the carrier from underneath. It shows four fasteners 109 that attachcarrier 106 to cover 104, enclosing the electronics between carrier 106and cover 104. Carrier 106 can be attached to the cover 104 and theelectronics by snap-in features, screws or glue. It is preferable tomake the adapter as thin and as small as possible in order to make itlow profile and enhance its ergonomics. When, as in the presentlyillustrated case, the sidewalls are designed to protect the sides of thePDA, the height of the sidewalls is dictated by the height of the PDA towhich the adapter attaches. In other designs the sidewalls may onlypartially cover the sides of the PDA.

[0051] At the extreme case, when no side protection of the PDA isneeded, the sidewalls may be replaced by a pair of rails that mate withthe corresponding guides on the PDA. However, when the sidewalls areeliminated, the overall ruggedness of the adapter/PDA-combined device isreduced.

[0052]FIGS. 1f-g are additional views of the adapter when it is placedupside down.

[0053] When adapter 100 is connected to the PDA, sidewalls 110 restrictthe side-to-side movements of the PDA with respect to adapter 100.Adapter connector 124 restricts movement of the PDA in one directionalong the length of adapter 100. In order to restrict the movement ofthe PDA in the other direction along the length of adapter 100, and tofully secure adapter 100 to the PDA, a retainer clip 112 is provided aspart of adapter 100. Retainer clip 112 is shown in FIGS. 1a, 1 b, 1 fand 1 g. Retainer clip 112 secures the PDA to adapter 100 and preventsaccidental disconnects between the two devices upon vibration or drop.In alternative embodiments the retainer can be replaced by snapfasteners, interference-fit, or detent features designed into the PDAand the adapter.

[0054]FIGS. 2a-c illustrate the method of attachment of a PDA 50 toadapter 100 of the present invention. PDA 50 includes an expansionconnector 52. First, retainer clip 112 is pushed out of the path of PDA50 that is being inserted into the adapter. Second, PDA 50 is fullyinserted into adapter 100 and the PDA's expansion connector 52 is matedwith the corresponding adapter connector 124. Third, retainer clip 112is pushed back to its original position, fully securing PDA 50 withinadapter 100 and preventing accidental separation of adapter 100 from PDA50. Thus, when PDA 50 is inserted into adapter 100 of the preferredembodiment, adapter 100 protects PDA 50 on five of the PDA's sixsurfaces. The only PDA surface that remains exposed is the PDA's displaysurface.

[0055]FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic of the interface board of theadapter of the present invention. The interface board includes circuitryfor communicating with a bar code scanner via connector JP1.Alternatively, the interface board could include circuitry for an imagersuch as a charged coupled device (CCD) or similar technology known tothose of skill in the art.

[0056]FIGS. 4a and 4 b show the primary and secondary sides,respectively, of a printed circuit board of the adapter according to thepresent invention. Connector JP1 interfaces electronics on the circuitboard with a scanner module. An external connector JH1 interfaceselectronics on the circuit board with the iPAQ PDA. A 68-pin connectorJH2 interfaces electronics on the circuit board with a PC card havingradio or other functionality. Thus, the adapter integrates both thescanner module and the radio module, together with an antenna, insideit. Some of the electronic components between the two modules can beshared.

[0057] In another alternative embodiment, the modules are not beintegrated inside the adapter, but are selectively plugged into theadapter. For this, either the JP1 or JH2, must also be an externalconnector. For example, if the adapter has a PCMCIA compatibleconnector, any PCMCIA compatible module can be plugged into the adapter,thus expanding system flexibility even further. Module compatibleinterface connectors, other than the PCMCIA interface connectors areenvisioned to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] As can be gathered from the above description, while the adaptermust have a PDA compatible connector for interfacing to the PDA, theexpansion module connector is optional.

[0059] FIGS. 8-13 are drawings of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. The adapter 200 includes a cover 204 and a carrier206. The carrier 206 includes a bottom wall 208 and two sidewalls 210extending from bottom wall 208. Curved portions 211 of sidewalls 210 ofcarrier 206 are curved in such a way that they partially cover the sidesof the PDA. Curved portions 211 protect the PDA from side-to-sidemovement and side impact. Curved portions 211 also prevent adapter 200from being pulled off the PDA and protect the PDA from front impact. Aninterface circuit 227 board and a scanner, a radio, RFID tag reader,global positioning system, telephone, or some other module, is housedbetween the cover 204 and the bottom wall 208 of the adapter. Theadapter of FIG. 8a shows an adapter having an integrated scanner locatedbehind the scanning window 220.

[0060] Sidewalls 210 include a gripping surface 213 for improvedergonomics. As electronic components are added to the adapter, theoverall thickness of adapter may increase. Users with small hands mayhave difficulty wrapping their fingers all the way around to the curvedportion of the sidewalls. Gripping surface 213 provides a surface forthese users to place their fingertips allowing them to grasp the adapterin a secure manner. Users with larger hands may choose to place theirfingertips either on the side of the PDA or on gripping surface 213.When viewing the adapter from a horizontal position, the grippingsurface 213 has a portion that is below bottom wall 208 and a portionthat is above bottom wall 208.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 13, gripping surface 213 has a portionthat radiates in an outward direction relative to a vertical axis 270.An angle α is formed along vertical axis 270 and the gripping surface213. Angle α may change depending on where along gripping surface 213 itis measure. An angle β is formed along vertical axis 270 and a sidesection 215 above the gripping surface 213. Side section 215 consists ofportions of carrier 206 and cover 204 (not shown in FIG. 13). FIG. 13shows a seam 217 where carrier 206 meets cover 204. Alternatively, theside section could consist of portions of only the carrier or only thecover. Gripping surface 213 and side section 215 meet to form a ridge260. Ridge 260 improves the ergonomics of adapter 200 and helps preventa user's fingers from slipping off gripping surface 213.

[0062]FIG. 10 shows a notch 270 where a tether or strap (not shown) canbe attached to adapter 200. The tether allows the operator to carry thedevice without worrying about dropping it. Tether is preferably attachedto the top of adapter 200 so if adapter 200 hangs from the tether thePDA would be in an upright position and less likely to slip out of theadapter.

[0063] Adapter 200 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-13 does not have aretainer clip. In an alternative embodiment adapter 200 could include aretainer clip to lock the adapter and the PDA together as shown in theembodiments of FIGS. 1a, 1 b, 1 e, 1 f and 1 g. When adapter 200 isconnected to the PDA, curved portions 211 restrict the side-to-sidemovements of the PDA with respect to adapter 200. Adapter connector 224restricts movement of the PDA along the length of adapter 200.

[0064] A connector interface 205 is flexibly secured to adapter 200.Connector interface 205 may be secured by a spring or similararrangement to allow it to move in an orthogonal direction relative tothe bottom wall 208. The connector interface 205 has ribbed members 205a that engage with a receiving receptacle on the PDA (not shown). Whenthe PDA is inserted into adapter 200, connector interface 205 is forceddown until the PDA's receiving receptacle engages ribbed members 205 a.At this moment ribbed members 205 a springs up into the PDA's receivingreceptacle creating an audible click. The audible click notifies theuser that adapter 200 is fully secured to the PDA.

[0065]FIG. 5 illustrates an adapter having a hand strap 130. Hand strap130 is attached to the top of the adapter and allows the operator tocarry the device without worrying about dropping it. The adapter, whichis typically made out of plastic material, can have a rubber over-moldwith a finger grip designed into it.

[0066]FIG. 6 shows compartment for a rechargeable, or a disposable,battery located inside the adapter. The battery is accessed via abattery door 140 that forms a part of the adapter's top cover.

[0067]FIG. 7 shows an adapter having a handle grip 150 extending fromthe surface of the adapter. Handle grip 150 may be detachable from theadapter. In addition, handle grip 150 includes a trigger mechanism 152for triggering (“energizing”) the module that is integrated inside theadapter. Handle grip 150 has a battery compartment 154 inside it, suchthat the device can be operated for longer periods of time. As analternative, the adapter may not have any batteries inside, and wouldreceive its power from handle grip 150. Handle grip 150 also includes awrist tether 156 allowing the operator to carry the device withouthaving to grip it.

[0068] Changing Functionality of Application Buttons

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention a user can change thefunctionality of one or more of the application buttons on the PDA in amanner that is seamless to the user. For example, one of the buttons onthe PDA may be dedicated to functioning as an audio recording button.When a user attaches an adapter that has scanning capability, the usermay want to use that button to trigger a scanning operation instead ofaudio recording. According to a preferred embodiment, by attaching theadapter to the PDA, the functionality of the button may be reconfiguredto a scanning function without any additional steps by the user.

[0070]FIG. 14 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine fora preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step 302 represents aPDA having an application button that is assigned a certain function. Inthis preferred embodiment the adapter includes nonvolatile memory thatincludes a configuration program. The configuration program may includea program that includes routines for changing the functionality of oneor more of the application buttons on the PDA. The configuration programchanges application button mappings within the PDA to produce thedesired functionality. When a device (such as an adapter) is attached tothe PDA (and when the PDA is turned on) at 304, the PDA will run theconfiguration program at 306. At step 308, the configuration programwill change the application button mapping in the PDA to change thefunctionality of one or more of the application buttons from an originalfunction to a reconfigured faction. Thus, the change of function of thebuttons is seamless to the user. The reconfigured function of the buttonwill preferably be related to a function that was added by theattachment of the adapter to the PDA.

[0071]FIG. 15 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine foranother preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step 312represents the PDA having an application button with a certain functionwherein the PDA has a configuration program stored in a memory.Alternatively, the configuration program could reside on a remote sitethat is accessible by the PDA. At step 314, the PDA could poll itsexpansion connector to detect the presence of any attached devices. Anattachable device (such as an adapter) may have associated with it anidentification code. The identification code may include a portion thatidentifies a manufacturer and a portion that identifies a device. If thedevice is attached to the PDA, the PDA will check the identificationcode of the attached device at 316. Once the PDA determines theidentification code of the attached device, at 318 the PDA accessesconfiguration data that provides information for the PDA to change thefunctionality of the application buttons. The configuration data may bedetermined by accessing a look up table (stored either locally on thePDA or remotely). Alternatively, instead of having an identificationcode associated with the attached device, the device may store thereconfiguration data in the device's nonvolatile memory. At 319, theconfiguration program may change the application button mapping in thePDA in order to change the functionality of one or more of theapplication buttons from an original function to a reconfiguredfunction. Thus, the change of function of the buttons is seamless to theuser. Again, the reconfigured function of the button will preferably berelated to a function that was added by the attachment of the device tothe PDA.

[0072]FIG. 16 shows a flowchart representing a configuration routine fora preferred embodiment wherein the adapter is removed from the PDA. Step322 represents the PDA having an application button with a certainreconfigured function. In this preferred embodiment of the invention,the reconfigured function of the application button will revert back tothe original function when the adapter is removed. The PDA may include aroutine for polling the PDA's expansion connector to determine whetherany devices are attached. At step 324 the PDA polls the expansionconnector. If the polling routine determines that an adapter is nolonger connected to the PDA, the configuration program may be activatedat 326. At step 328 the configuration program may change the applicationbutton mapping in the PDA in order to change the functionality of theapplication buttons from the reconfigured function back to the originalfunction. Thus, when a user no longer needs to use the additionalfunctions provided by the adapter unit, he does not have to input anydata into the PDA to revert back to the original function of theapplication buttons. The user can simply detach the adapter from thePDA, and the PDA could automatically reconfigure the applicationbuttons.

[0073] Memory Feature

[0074] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the adapter mayinclude a memory backup system. The memory backup system helps preventthe PDA from losing information stored in the PDA's volatile memory inthe event that the PDA's battery source is critically low.

[0075] PDA's typically include a battery monitoring circuit thatmonitors the PDA's battery source to determine an energy level. If theenergy level falls below a certain shut down value, the PDAautomatically shuts down. The manufacturer or programmer of the PDA setsthe shut down value to be large enough so that some power is reserved tomaintain the contents of the PDA's volatile memory. However, this systemdoes not guarantee that the contents of the PDA's volatile memory willbe preserved. The energy level may continue to decrease over time untilthe data stored in the volatile memory becomes irretrievable.

[0076]FIG. 17 shows a flowchart representing a memory backup system fora preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step 332 represents aPDA having a volatile memory attached to an adapter. The adapter has anonvolatile memory capable of storing data and application programs. Thesystem measures the energy level of the battery source at 334 andcompares the energy level to a certain backup value at 336. If theenergy level of the battery source falls below the backup value, at step338 the data stored in the PDA's volatile memory is copied in theadapter's nonvolatile memory or to a remote storage area. The remotestorage area may include a facility linked to a wide area network or alocal area network. The backup value may be set to be equal to ordifferent than the shut down value. If the data stored in the PDA'svolatile memory is irretrievable because the energy level of the batterysource is top low to maintain the memory, the data may be reconstructedby using the data stored in the adapter's nonvolatile memory.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for automatically changing thefunctionality of an application button on a personal digital assistantfrom a first function to a second function, the personal digitalassistant having a processor and an expansion connector, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) providing an adapter unit having a housingconfigured to be detachably secured to the personal digital assistantand an adapter connector for engaging with said expansion connector ofthe personal digital assistant; b) storing in said adapter aconfiguration agent containing information related to changing thefunctionality of the application button from the first function to thesecond function; c) securing said adapter unit to the personal digitalassistant, wherein said expansion connector engages said adapterconnector allowing said information stored in said configuration agentto be communicated to the personal digital assistant; d) processing inthe PDA's processor said information stored in said configuration agent;and e) automatically changing the functionality of the applicationbutton from said first function to said second function after the PDA'sprocessor processes said information stored in said configuration agent.2. The method of claim 1, wherein said method further includes the stepsof storing a polling agent on the personal digital assistant, anddetermining, based on said polling agent, whether said expansionconnector is engaged with said adapter connector.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein said method further includes the step of: a) disengaging saidexpansion connector from said adapter connector; b) automaticallychanging the functionality of the application button from said secondfunction to said first function in response to said determining step. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein said adapter unit includes a productidentification reader and wherein said second function relates to atrigger for activating said product identification reader.
 5. The methodof claim 4, wherein said product identification reader is a bar codereader.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein said product identificationreader is an imager.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said adapter unitincludes a wireless radio and wherein said second function relates totransmitting information over said wireless radio.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said information stored in said configuration agentcomprises a program for changing the functionality of one or more of theapplication buttons on the PDA.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein saidprogram changes application button mappings within the PDA.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said information stored in said configurationagent comprises an identification code for identifying the adapter unit.11. The method of claim 1, wherein said information stored in saidconfiguration agent comprises reconfiguration data for use by the PDA'sprocessor.
 12. A system for automatically configuring the functionalityof an application button on a personal digital assistant from a firstfunction to a second function, the personal digital assistant having anexpansion connector, the system comprising; a) an adapter unit having ahousing configured to be detachably secured to the personal digitalassistant and an adapter connector configured for engagement with saidexpansion connector of the personal digital assistant; and b) aconfiguration agent that stores information related to changing thefunctionality of the application button, said configuration agent isaccessible by the PDA's processor; and c) a communications link betweenthe personal digital assistant and the adapter unit wherein the personaldigital assistant can access said information related to changing thefunctionality of the application button and wherein the functionality ofthe application button automatically changes from said first function tosaid second function.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the systemfurther comprises a polling agent on the personal digital assistant fordetermining whether said expansion connector is engaged with saidadapter connector.
 14. The system of claim 12 wherein said informationstored in said configuration agent comprises a program for changing thefunctionality of one or more of the application buttons on the PDA. 15.The system of claim 14 wherein said program changes application buttonmappings within the PDA.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein saidadapter unit includes a product identification reader and wherein saidsecond function relates to a trigger for activating said productidentification reader.
 17. The system of claim 12 wherein said productidentification reader is a bar code reader.
 18. The system of claim 12wherein said product identification reader is an imager.
 19. The systemof claim 12, wherein said adapter unit includes a wireless radio andwherein said second function relates to transmitting information oversaid wireless radio.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein saidinformation stored in said configuration agent comprises anidentification code for identifying the adapter unit.
 21. The system ofclaim 12, wherein said information stored in said configuration agentcomprises reconfiguration data.
 22. A method for automatically changingthe functionality of an application button on a personal digitalassistant, the personal digital assistant having an expansion connectorfor communicating with an adapter unit, said adapter unit having ahousing configured to be detachably secured to the personal digitalassistant and an adapter connector for engaging with said expansionconnector of the personal digital assistant, the method comprising thesteps of: a) storing in said personal digital assistant a polling agentfor polling said adapter unit and a configuration agent for changing thefunctionality of the application button; b) storing in said adapter unitan identification code associated with said adapter unit; c) securingsaid adapter unit to the personal digital assistant; d) polling saidadapter unit wherein the personal digital assistant can access saididentification code; e) automatically changing the functionality of theapplication button to a function associated with said identificationcode.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein after the personal digitalassistant determines said identification code, the personal digitalassistant accesses a database for determining reconfiguration dataassociated with said identification code.
 24. The method of claim 22,wherein said adapter unit includes a product identification reader andwherein the changed functionality of the application button relates to atrigger for activating said product identification reader.
 25. Themethod of claim 24, wherein said product identification reader is a barcode reader.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein said productidentification reader is an imager.
 27. The method of claim 22, whereinsaid adapter unit includes a wireless radio and wherein the changedfunctionality of the application button relates to transmittinginformation over said wireless radio.
 28. The method of claim 22,further including the steps of: a) detaching said adapter unit from thepersonal digital assistant; b) determining said detachment of saidadapter unit from the personal digital assistant; c) automaticallychanging the functionality of the application button in response to saiddetermining step.